JACKSON, Wyo. — Just hours after two separate federal judges determined that food assistance payments must continue in November, Gov. Mark Gordon declared a Public Welfare Emergency through an executive order and mobilized $10 million of state funds to address the still uncertain food future in Wyoming.
On Friday afternoon, Gordon’s office issued a press release titled “Gov. Gordon declares Public Welfare Emergency; directs state funds to keep food assistance flowing during the Schumer Shutdown.” The statement says that up to $10 million in state emergency funds have been authorized to ensure Wyoming families retain access to food if federal funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) runs out.
“Food insecurity doesn’t care about political parties,” Gordon said in the statement. “Wyoming will not allow its citizens to go hungry because Washington can’t do its job.”
Earlier this week, Gordon said that he was “exploring options” around the upcoming lapse in SNAP benefits. Under Wyoming law, the governor can authorize up to $10 million from the Legislative Stabilization Reserve Account when a “public welfare emergency” exists, according to the statement. Such an emergency is defined by state statute as a sudden and unforeseeable event that threatens the health or welfare of the public and requires immediate action when no other funding exists. Gordon has determined that the interruption to SNAP meets the qualifying criteria.
“Many of Wyoming’s elderly and children rely on SNAP to put food on their tables,” Gordon said. “Our veterans and soldiers deserve nothing less.”
The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS), which administers SNAP benefits within the state, is directed through Executive Order 2025-08 to coordinate with the State Budget Director to disperse the funds to charitable organizations and churches that have food banks, pantries and mobile food pantries for Wyomingites. DFS must ensure funds are widely available for organizations to provide nutritional food. The DFS Director must also submit a hunger relief plan to the governor by Saturday, Nov. 1, to provide cost estimates and a proposal for how the emergency support will be used.
“The stress this government shutdown is placing on local organizations and churches dedicated to feeding hungry Wyomingites is significant, and we recognize their tireless efforts,” DFS Director Korin Schmidt said in the press release. “We are prepared to distribute these crucial funds as quickly and efficiently as possible, allowing our partners to concentrate on ensuring their neighbors have food.”
Earlier this week, Food Bank of Wyoming’s Executive Director Danica Sveda told Buckrail that “there’s no way” private donors and nonprofits could give enough to make up for the lapse in government funding.
The emergency funding through the governor’s executive order is expected to be temporary and will be discontinued once federal SNAP payments resume. According to the Associated Press, two federal judges ruled earlier on Friday that SNAP must be funded through November using one of two funding options. The federal government was directed to give an update on its progress by Monday, Nov. 3.
